Exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy vows to return for polls
Sam Rainsy, seen as the main challenger to strongman prime minister Hun Sen, promised to travel to Cambodia "before the election day" on July 28 in a video posted on his Facebook page.
Cambodia's opposition leader, who lives in self-imposed exile abroad, has vowed to return to the country, in a move his party hailed as a boost to its chances in elections this month.
"The presence of Sam Rainsy will encourage voters to believe in CNRP (Cambodia National Rescue Party)," said opposition spokesman Yim Sovann.
Sam Rainsy's presence would "create a strong force that would make a change and bring a positive result for the country", he said, adding that the opposition leader was working on a date to return
Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 28 years, is expected to win a majority in the elections.
Sam Rainsy lives in France and faces 11 years in jail if he returns after he was convicted in absentia for charges that included publishing a "false map" of the border with Vietnam.